There may be many ways of consuming yam, but the demand and patronage for the grilled ones have placed them above other types. Roasted yam, as it is popularly called, is a well-loved delicacy in Nigeria, especially when it is garnished with red palm oil sauce stew, roasted fish, pomo, and porridge beans, among others.
A roasted yam seller at Anifowoshe, Ikeja, Lagos, who has been in the business for 10 years, Mrs Evelyn Aikponhealea, says the business is lucrative as she also derives joy as people patronise her.
“Different people come here to buy roasted yam. Families, office people around here, and those who are walking and saw it.
“This business has favoured me in many ways. I can boldly say that through this business, I have been able to purchase land and start a building of my own. My son is in university, and my other children have been fed through this business. The bills have been sorted out. I appreciate God for that,” she notes.
To start the business, she says, one will invest in a modern grill, either powered by gas or charcoal, depending on financial strength. Better still, one can buy a coal pot that is between N2,000 and N10,000 while the locally-made one is about N2,000.
Business Capital
“If you want to do it the way I do mine, N150,000 is not out of place. You know I do not roast yams alone. I mix it up with plantains, bread, and sweet potatoes. But for someone who does not have that amount to kick-start the business, N10,000 is enough to start,” he says.
Profitability
According to her, “if you only focus on yam, you can make N2,000 or more on N2,000 worth of yam. You have to measure what you roast so it covers the entire operating cost. But as for me, if there is a market, I make up to N30,000 or more every day because I do not concentrate on yam alone. I added other things to the yam, such as plantains, sweet potatoes, bread, porridge beans, fish, and pomo, to make more profit.
“I have a target of N25,000 to make as part of my capital. After that, I pay for my ajo “thrift” contribution, which I take as my salary at the end of the month. The rest of the money is for upkeep.”
Where To Buy Yam
There are many markets around Lagos. Depending on the quantity of yam you want to purchase, It is cheaper to buy at the market than in the neighbourhood. Aside from yam, you will also need to buy charcoal and make stew. So, you need to know where you can buy all these at a lower price.
